“Beautiful car. Where are you from?” the gas station attendant asked as I stepped out of my vintage Porsche. Oregon, thankfully, still offers full service, and I knew I’d have to show him the fuel filler on my classic ride. “LA,” I replied. “That’s a long way in an old car! Aren’t you worried about breaking down?” “Not really,” I answered, with a touch of confident optimism, hoping karma wouldn’t immediately test me.
The truth is, I had put considerable thought into potential roadside issues on this trip. I’d assembled a well-considered tool kit, packed a few crucial spare parts, and importantly, I have a deep familiarity with this particular car. Like many vintage car enthusiasts, I handle much of my own maintenance, giving me a solid understanding of what might cause trouble. For many, finding the right parts or information can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s where a Classic Car Search Tool, whether it’s a well-organized toolkit or online resources, becomes invaluable.
Sure, having a pristine set of original factory tools in a reproduction pouch is impressive – perfect for showing off at concours events or cars & coffee gatherings. They’re fantastic trunk candy. But the real joy of owning a classic car lies in driving it, not just parking it for admiration.
Most of us don’t use our classics for daily commutes or grocery runs. We take them to club meets a few hundred miles away. We seek out winding roads for spirited drives. Or, like me, we might embark on an epic road trip, like driving up Highway 1 from Los Angeles to Portland – a breathtaking 1,000-mile coastal journey. There’s an unmatched pleasure in long hauls with a vintage beauty. The experience is far more engaging than in a modern car, sealed off with windows up, AC blasting, and everyone absorbed in their personal screens while speeding down the interstate.
So, leave that showpiece factory kit in the garage. Let’s focus on building a practical travel tool kit – one that’s effective without being bulky or taking up all your precious trunk space.
First, consider your trip: Is it a short weekend jaunt a couple of hours from home, or a longer adventure covering thousands of miles? The scope of your journey will influence the necessary tools.
Essential Tools for Your Classic Car Toolkit
Screwdrivers: Obvious, yes, but crucial. A couple of robust flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers are perfect for tightening loose hose clamps or adjusting minor fittings. I also recommend a small precision screwdriver set with interchangeable bits for those delicate tasks, like fixing your sunglasses or adjusting interior trim.
1/4-inch Drive Sockets: These might seem small, but a ¼” drive socket set covers a surprising range of common classic car tasks, including battery terminals and small fasteners. They are compact and easy to pack. Be sure to include several extension lengths and a flexible extension for reaching awkward spots like lower hose clamps. Consider adding a ¼” drive bit set with various drive types like Torx for added versatility.
3/8-inch Drive Sockets: Include a 3/8” drive ratchet and sockets specifically for your car. Prioritize a spark plug socket, a deep socket for your lug nuts, and a 3/8” to ¼” adapter. Add a couple of extensions. Check accessibility to your most difficult spark plug. If you need a universal joint for removal, pack one.
Allen Wrenches: A folding set of Allen wrenches is compact and covers most common sizes you’ll encounter on classic cars.
Ignition Wire Pliers: These specialized pliers are designed to grip the spark plug boot, not the wire itself, when removing spark plug wires. This prevents damage to the wires.
Breaker Bar: A 24-inch breaker bar, paired with your lug nut socket, makes tire changes much easier. Plus, a sturdy 24-inch bar can double as a deterrent in an emergency situation.
Tire Gauge: Another essential for maintaining correct tire pressure. It’s also wise to carry a can of tire sealant like Fix-a-Flat or Slime, and a small 12V air compressor for inflating tires.
Water Pump Pliers: I highly recommend 10-inch Knipex pliers. They are incredibly versatile and strong – useful for hose clamps, and even for clearing a blocked showerhead in a hotel!
Needle Nose Pliers: Electrician-style needle-nose pliers with a crimping function are a great addition. If you carry a multi-tool like a Leatherman, you might already have this covered.
Pliers or Vice Grips: Or both. A set of Vice-Grips can be invaluable for temporarily clamping hoses, gripping rounded bolts, or acting as a makeshift handle.
Wrenches: Select a few combination open/box-end wrenches in sizes specific to your car. For German cars, focus on odd sizes and 10mm. For Japanese cars, include a 12mm. You likely don’t need a full set. To keep wrenches organized, use a simple bolt and wing nut method: stack box-end wrenches onto a 3-inch 1/4-20 bolt with washers on each end, and secure with a wing nut.
Wiring Supplies: Always pack diagonal cutters and a crimper/stripper, along with crimp connectors and electrical tape. A simple test light with a probe and alligator clip is invaluable for diagnosing electrical issues.
Utility Knife: A folding utility knife is incredibly handy. Use it for trimming fuel lines, opening packages, or even fashioning a funnel from a plastic bottle for adding oil or water, saving space by avoiding carrying a separate funnel.
Jumper Cables: Even with a new battery, pack jumper cables. They make jump-starting your car or assisting others easy.
Gloves: Include mechanic’s gloves and leather work gloves. Nitrile gloves are also useful for cleaner tasks.
Tool Bag: Choose a compact tool bag suited to your car. Be creative! An army surplus bag works well, or you might find a stylish vintage bag at a yard sale – just maybe check its value first!
This list is a solid starting point for your classic car travel toolkit. Remember to consider any specialized tools unique to your vehicle. And stay tuned for a future article discussing essential spare parts to carry on your classic car adventures.
